Many of us in the animal protection movement are appalled at the deal struck by the Humane Society of the United States with United Egg
Producers to cease campaigning for cage-free housing for egg-laying hens in favor of "enriched" cages with tiny perches and "nestboxes"
consisting of plastic mats and a few extra inches of space.

Activists working for decades to eliminate battery cages have been knocked for a loop by this pact. It may be good for the egg industry and for
the Humane Society, but for the hens and the signature-gatherers, it's a wrenching betrayal.

Once the egg industry spends $4 billion to convert from conventional cages to "enriched" ones, the cage system for egg-laying hens will stand
for the remainder of the 21st century and beyond. People wishing to help these hens should reduce or eliminate their egg consumption.

Karen Davis

Machipongo, Va.

The writer is president of United Poultry Concerns.
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If the new agreement between the Humane Society and United Egg Producers will help reduce animal suffering, then I'm all for it. Personally,
though, I both help hens and maintain my health by eating tofu scrambler and other vegan foods
instead of eggs. I cook with an egg substitute that mimics what eggs do in baked goods, pancakes and other recipes. It's cholesterol-free, like
all vegan foods, and it's 100% cruelty-free. You can't say that about cage-free eggs.